Overview

• Pope Francis’s body lies in state in an open wooden coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica, with extended viewing hours due to unprecedented public turnout.
• Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the Rite of Sealing on April 25 at 8:00 PM, closing the coffin ahead of the April 26 funeral.
• The funeral will be held in St. Peter’s Square, with over 130 delegations, including heads of state and royals, expected to attend.
• In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking with the tradition of Vatican burials.
• Heightened security measures are in place around the Vatican as the final preparations for the funeral and burial are underway.